Frequently Asked Questions

Team EMPOWER is Smile Train’s endurance fundraising program. It gives runners and supporters the chance to make their race count by raising funds to help children with clefts access surgery and comprehensive cleft care.

A list of all available races can be found on the Our Races page. All races listed with a Participant Type of Charity Entry provide participants with guaranteed entry into the race. Simply pay the one-time non-refundable registration fee on our site and fulfill all fundraising minimum commitments set forth in the fundraising schedule.

Yes. Smile Train will cover the cost of any registration fees due to race organizers, with the exception of NYRR. After paying a one-time, non-tax-deductible registration fee on our site, there will be no additional fees associated with your race entry.

Yes. All donations are tax deductible except for the participant’s one-time registration fee. Smile Train is registered with the federal government and every state in the U.S. where it is required. Smile Train UK is a registered charity in the UK.

Yes. Each participant is assigned a staff contact who will be there to support their journey. Participants also receive guidance throughout the fundraising process to help them stay on track and reach their goal.

We work closely with participants to help them stay on track and reach their goal. If you do not meet your fundraising minimum, the remaining balance will be charged to the credit card you provided when registering.

If you chose Charity Entry, you have indicated that you need to be registered for the race. Your staff contact will reach out with specific information on how to complete race registration once you have completed all required fundraising benchmarks laid out in the fundraising schedule.

Depending on which race you are signed up for, we do allow a withdrawal period, provided you have reached the withdrawal fundraising minimum, which is typically a portion of the full commitment. Details on the withdrawal date and minimums are included in the fundraising schedule at sign-up. After the withdrawal period passes, you are responsible for fulfilling all fundraising requirements even if you are unable to race.

Yes. You can sign up on our site by choosing Own Entry without Training to receive team perks with no fundraising commitment. Or choose Own Entry with Training to receive team perks and a custom training plan at a fundraising minimum commitment of $1,000.

All checks should be sent to:

Smile Train ATTN: Team EMPOWER
633 Third Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10017

Please indicate the participant’s name and race in the memo section of the check or on a separate note. For example, John Smith, IRONMAN Arizona.